Wind and wave energy 'key to hitting carbon targets'

Harnessing Ireland’s offshore wind and wave energy is vital to help the country to slash its carbon emissions by 2020, an inaugural Oireachtas Committee said today.

The Dáil’s Committee on Climate Change, which was established a year ago, said Irish people now produce the fifth highest levels of greenhouse gas in the world in per capita terms.

The EU wants Ireland to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2020 and also harness 20% of its energy from renewable sources by the same date.

Committee chairman Sean Barrett today called for the development of wind and wave energy projects in Ireland’s offshore area, which covers 900,000 square kilometres of sea bed or ten times the land area of the country.

He said the current planning regime for such projects was several decades out of date.

“If we are to exploit offshore wind and harness the power of waves and tides, we must replace outdated structures with a modern system for dealing with marine developments,” Mr Barrett said.

He added: “Such an immense resource warrants a modern streamlined planning process that will balance the aspirations of renewable energy developers with the legitimate and reasonable concerns of local communities.”

The National Offshore Wind Association, which made a presentation at one of the committee’s public hearings, claims five member firms are waiting to get the Government’s go ahead to develop projects worth €6bn which could provide 40% of Ireland’s total electricity needs.

Today’s Scrutiny Report on the EU Climate Energy Package also found that the farming and transport emissions – ’cows and cars’ make up more than 45% of total national output.

The 50-page document will be sent to the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Government ministers with responsibility for the area.